Polite Dogs 1

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Suggested Items for Homcoming

If you adopt from a private breeder, shelter or rescue group get the items before you bring your new family member home. If you are buy a puppy or dog at a pet store you can usually pick up the items there when you get your new family member.

Collar-The collar should be tighten until only two fingers placed again the body can fit under it other wise he can slip out of the collar and run away. On longer or shaggy haired dogs you should make sure you feel his body even though this will push down the hair. Leaving it tighten only to the hair means your companion can slip his collar and run off. Use a collar to keep Rabies tag on puppy/dog even if using a harness.

__ Harness- If Puppy weights under 10 pounds or is a toy breed a harness should be used at all times to prevent possible harm to the wind pipe until he no longer pulls at the leash at all when out for a walk.

__ Regular Leash- The leash should be long enough to allow the dog and you to walk comfortably.

__ Retractable leash- A retractable leash should not be used until the puppy or dog walks nicely on a regular lease. A retractable leash can pull out completely and your puppy or dog can run away and possibly be injured or worse. member at night

__ Blanket or Bed- Your companion needs a place to call its own. This can be done by having a bed, blanket or towel to sleep and relax on. It should be placed some where that the dog can "escape" to if feeling over whelmed or just want some quite time on his own, for more information about placement below.

There is nothing wrong with having his bed in your room or allowing your companion to sleep with you or another family at night it your or their bed.

__ Toys-Every dog should have at least two different types of toys. For puppies 1 hard and 1 soft, this will help them with teething and not chewing on things they should not be. For dogs toys should be of a type they can not destroy easily. I recommend no stuff toys for any medium to large breed after the age of four months old. If your companion tears open the stuffed toy and ingests enough of the stuffing this can cause bowel blockage. This will result in surgery and if not caught early enough may cause death. As soon as any type of toy shows signs of over use discard it. If a stuff toy rips take it away as soon as you see the rip then you can either repair the rip or, un-stuff it and give your companion the shell back or simply discard it and buy a new one.

__ Food and Water Bowls- For type of food to bring your puppy or new dog home tofind out what the breeder, pet store or former owners were using. If you choose to change food do so gradually. A quick change in diet can cause stomach up set and diarrhea. If you would like more help with this please email me as each breed is different on how quickly to change from one brand of food to another. I will need to know the breed of dog and age to give you a general idea of how to change from one food to another.

__ Crate or a place where they can have a small den- A corner of your living or family room that is partly blocked by a chair or couch is good or even if you have a high table in a corner put the bed under there. This gives him a place/den to call there own. When in his den do not to go into it after him let it be a place for them to rest, relax and escape to when feeling tired or a little stressed. Do not let children or visitors enter his "den" at all. The only time you should enter the den is if the dog has gone there after doing something wrong and is hiding for discipline. As the leader of the pack you have the right to go into the den. Take the puppy/dog out of the den before disciplining him.

__ Training Treats- If an edible treat is used it should be consumed by the puppy or dog in just a couple of bites. Otherwise he will get over-treated and lose the incentive to learn. Verbal praise is the best treat in the world you can give your dog or puppy.

__ Spray Bottle- To help control inappropriate barking. See below for how to use it.

__ Sweater or Jacket- If you have a small breed or even a larger breed with short hair or fur. He/she will need a jacket or sweater for cold days to help prevent hypothermia.

The MOST important thing to remember when training a puppy or dog is having a set schedule and consistency with everyone who help take care of her/him. Be sure to use the same verbal command for the same behavior every time it is needed. Take him/her out to relieve them self at the same time every day.See Tips for New Owners for more information.

NEVER leave any child or other pet alone with the puppy or dog until you have a feel for its temperament and know for certain they will not try to harm the child or other pet in any way. This can range from just jumping up on the child and knocking it over to the child teasing the puppy/dog unknowingly and getting bit. Other animals especially if smaller and/or older then your new companion they could be accidently hurt even while the two or more are just playing. Let the puppy or dog come to you do not keep approaching him/herbecause your new companion needs time to adjust to its new surroundings, family members and other pets already in your home before he/she will feel at home. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks depending on breed, age and your companions temperament.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me with them at [email protected] Carla is always willing to help new humans and dogs with their adjustment period.

No medical advice appearing anywhere on this site should take the place of what your veterinarian tells you to do. Contact your veterinarian or nearest animal emergency clinic for all illnesses and/or injuries.